Calico Ghost Town

Saturday we took a drive to Calico, CA to see the old ghost town there. On the way we picnicked in Zzyzx, CA and saw a dried up soda spring resort town built in the early 1900's. Now it serves as a research facility for geological students at various colleges. We learned in Calico that in the 1800's it was a bustling mining community which resulted in 85 million dollars worth of silver. Back then there were about 1200 permanent residents with thousands of people coming and going. Today only 9 people live there...most likely people who help manage the tourist activity at the ghost town. We toured the Maggie Mine, rode the Calico train, panned for gold, and toured the mystery shack. It was a great day for everyone.